Did you know that up to 95% of teens use social media and over one-third report using it almost constantly? These statistics demonstrate how much of an impact these platforms can have. While social media can be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, spending too much time on it can have unhealthy consequences. Studies have shown that too much social media use is associated with poor mental health and increased thoughts of suicide, especially if they see content depicting self-harm or other risky behaviors.
Fortunately, recognizing the indicators of excessive social media use can help your teen get the support they need. It’s also OK to ask for help. At Lightfully, our licensed clinical therapists can determine if your teen’s social media habits are impacting their mental health and provide guidance to help improve their well-being.
Let’s explore five red flags that your teen’s social media use might be becoming unhealthy, so you can give them support.
5 red flags of social media addiction
While using social media can be positive for teens, using it too much can impact mental health. Becoming aware of the warning signs can help you determine if your teen’s social media use is becoming excessive. Identifying these signs early can help your teen get the support they need as soon as possible. Here are some red flags you can look for:
1. Negative self-perception
When teens are on social media, they may end up comparing themselves to others. This habit may cause them to feel inadequate or develop low self-esteem. If your teen criticizes themselves, their appearance or their achievements after spending time online, social media could be a contributing factor.
2. Compulsive checking
While checking social media notifications and messages is OK to do from time to time, it could become obsessive. If your teen can’t get through a meal without checking social media, they could be using their platforms as a form of escape or coping mechanism rather than a way to connect with friends.
3. Prioritizing online interactions
Regularly choosing social media over other activities could be a sign of unhealthy use, especially if your teen is neglecting school and/or their loved ones. Spending more time interacting with people online rather than in person can be another sign that social media is becoming prioritized over real-life connections.
4. Secrecy about online activities
Does your teen try to hide their social media activity from you, lie about their screen time or get emotional when you ask about it? These behaviors may indicate that your teen is using social media in ways that are distressing or difficult for them to manage.
5. Declining grades
If your teen is spending excessive time on social media, they may in turn be spending less time on homework and studying. Declining grades could indicate that your teen’s social media use is interfering with their academic performance.
How you can help
As a parent, there are many ways you can support your teen. Setting reasonable screen time boundaries, encouraging offline activities, and maintaining open, honest communication about social media can make a big difference. If you’ve noticed any emotional or behavioral changes in your teen that could be related to their social media use, consider seeking professional support. A licensed clinical therapist can determine if you’re seeing signs of unhealthy social media use in your teen. They can also recommend effective coping strategies to help your teen navigate the stressors that could be causing their excessive screen time.
Lightfully can provide professional support for your teen
Unhealthy social media use may cause your teen’s behavior to change in several ways. If you see any of the indicators that your teen’s social media use may be impacting their health, you can try to set boundaries for screen time, initiate open and honest conversations, and encourage them to spend time with their loved ones in person. It’s also OK to reach out for professional support if you think your teen may need additional help.
At Lightfully, our licensed clinical therapists use whole-person-centered care to understand the underlying factors influencing your teen’s mental and emotional well-being. We’ll listen to them without judgment and guide them with deep compassion. Lightfully offers multiple levels of care to help you find the most appropriate treatment option for your teen. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are two choices you can explore. Our IOP offers a bit more support than regular outpatient therapy sessions. If your teen has moderate to severe symptoms, this may be the most appropriate option for treatment. Our PHP is a highly specialized, structured level of care that provides full days of treatment while letting your teen return home each night. No matter which program your teen begins, we can teach them helpful coping skills and healthier habits to improve their well-being.
Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of your teen.
